Patrick Leahy: “on March 26, 2001, my friend Senator Kennedy and I introduced S. 783, the Crime Victims Assistance Act of 2001. This…”

“on March 26, 2001, my friend Senator Kennedy and I introduced S. 783, the Crime Victims Assistance Act of 2001. This legislation represents the next step in our continuing efforts to afford dignity and recognition to victims of crime. Among other things, it would enhance the rights and protections afforded to victims of Federal crime, establish innovative new programs to help promote compliance with State victim's rights laws, and vastly improve the manner in which the Crime Victims Fund is managed and preserved. Senator Kennedy and I first introduced the Crime Victims Assistance Act in the 105th Congress, and we reintroduced it in the 106th Congress. Like many other deserving initiatives, however, this much-needed legislation took a back seat to the debate over a proposed victims' rights constitutional amendment. I have on several occasions noted my concern that we not dissipate the progress we could be making by focusing exclusively on efforts to amend the Constitution. Regretfully, I must note again that the pace of victims legislation has slowed noticeably and many opportunities for progress have been squandered. This year, we have a golden opportunity to make significant progress toward providing the greater voice and rights that crime victims deserve.”